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CERT - Community Emergency Response Team

Become a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and learn the skills needed to help your family, neighbors and colleagues during a disaster.

What is CERT?

CERT – Community Emergency Response Team – is a program of the US Citizen Corps which is managed nationally by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program trains community volunteers in basic disaster response skills so they can help their neighbors during an emergency. Here in Benton County, CERT is coordinated by volunteers under the sponsorship of the Emergency Services Division of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Click on this link to see a video of CERT in Action.

What do you learn?

CERT volunteers learn about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area. Through classroom and hands-on exercises, they are trained in basic disaster response skills including fire safety, building search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, and much more!

What are you expected to do?

CERT volunteers do not replace professional responders, but when a disaster strikes, they are trained to assist others in our community until professional responders are available. CERT volunteers may be called out to an emergency and will be asked to respond as they are available and able.

After completing the Basic CERT training, CERT volunteers are expected to attend periodic trainings to keep their skills sharp. CERT volunteers are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.

Who can become a CERT volunteer?

The course is geared toward adults, but open to all persons age 16 and older. Individuals under 18-years-of-age must have a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by the parent or legal guardian during the class. Once accepted into the program, participants must successfully complete the Basic CERT training program to become CERT-certified.

What is the time commitment for the training?

The Basic CERT Training is one night class a week for 8 weeks with a final disaster simulation on a Saturday. The evening classes are Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

How much does it cost to go through the CERT program?

Nothing! The program is free-of-charge.

How do I apply?

Interested?

Have additional questions or want to be put on a waiting list for the next available class? Contact us through our on-line CERT Interest Form. Our volunteer CERT Program Manager will get back to you with program information.